The Redbacked Jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) is one of the largest and most common jumping spiders in the western parts of North America. It is not to be mistaken for the highly venomous and unrelated Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti). The Redbacked Jumping spider may inflict a painful bite in self defense if threatened, although there are not any serious medical consequences.
Adult Redbacked Jumping spiders are usually about 0.4 inches in length. Although the female has an...

The Dark Comb-footed Spider (Steatoda grossa), also known as the Cupboard Spider, Brown House Spider, or False Black Widow (several other species are generally known by these names as well), is a species of arachnid found throughout the world, including the coasts of North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. One North American spider (
Steatoda borealis), is a closely related species of Steatoda grossa. There are recent reports of this spider breeding in the United Kingdom as well....

The Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans), typically known as the Southern Black Widow, is a species of arachnid that is native to the United States of America. There are two closely related species to the Southern Black Widow; the Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus), and the Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus). These three species are often confused with the genus Steatoda (false black widows). The black widow was first described in 1775 by Johan Christian Fabricius.
The...

The Daddy-long-legs Spider (Pholcus phalangioides), also known as the Cellar Spider or Skull Spider, is a species of arachnid found in many parts of the world, but originally came from the tropics. They are commonly found living in caves, garages, ceilings of household rooms, and cellars. In Australia, it is considered a beneficial species as it kills and eats the venomous redback Spider. There is some confusion with the common name "daddy longlegs". This name is also applied to two other...